Agenda item

(a)  That it be noted that following further discussions since February 2015, Slough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) support the relocation of the existing Orchard Surgery located on Willow Parade, High Street, Langley to Trelawney Avenue and has received NHS England support, subject to compliance with SCCG policy.

(b)  That subject to compliance with Housing Revenue Account (“HRA”) guidance, that it be agreed in principle to the General Fund (“GF”) appropriating the area of land required from the HRA to develop the hub, with the remainder of the site retained by the HRA and used to build affordable housing for rent.

(c)  That the potential for the hub to be jointly owned and managed between Raw Investments Limited (“RIL”) and the Council be noted.  RIL would have ownership of the health-led area, with the remainder owned by the Council (GF) and used to provide local services, including the potential relocation of Langley Library.

(d)  That subject to the relocation of Thames Valley Police (“TVP”), the scope of the plan would increase to include the redevelopment of the police station into affordable housing for rent.

(e)  That following its discussions with New Langley Community Group (“NLCG”) an agreement had been reached on their relocation to alternative premises to enable the redevelopment of the site.

(f)  That it be noted that the February 2015 authority to proceed to develop housing on part of the site would be undertaken by Slough Urban Renewal via the Small Sites Strategy.

(g)  That a follow-up report including financial options and a business case would be presented to Cabinet in February 2016 or sooner if key decisions were required.

(h)  That Asset Management would continue to explore the feasibility of relocating the football teams currently based at the Merry Makers PH to Kedermister Park.

The Head of Asset Management introduced a progress report on the Trelawney Avenue Redevelopment Plan.  The Cabinet had resolved in February 2015 that further discussions be held with health partners, and particularly Slough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), to work together to meet the Council’s aspiration for a mixed use development including modern health facilities, housing and a community hub.

A collaborative approach had since been taken between the Council, the CCG and the landlord and positive progress had now been made.  The plans included the relocation of an existing GP practice, the Orchard Surgery on Willow Parade, to the proposed redevelopment at Trelawney Avenue along with the pharmacy and dental practice.  These services would be co-located with housing and/or community services and potentially a library service and community police services, subject to a Thames Valley Police review of their estate.  There would also be space to allow community groups and activities already operating from the existing hall to continue to do so.  There were several options to facilitate the development of the hub and a number of practical issues to resolve.  These would be considered in a business case that would be presented to the Cabinet in a further report in the new year.  Agreement was sought in principle to the General Fund appropriating the area of land required from the Housing Revenue Account to develop the hub.  The remainder of the land would be retained by the HRA to build new affordable housing.  The Cabinet also noted the proposals in relation to Langley Police Station, relocation of New Langley Community Group and of the football teams currently based at the Merry Makers Public House to Kedermister Park.

Commissioners welcomed the considerable progress that had now been made in bringing forward a proposal that included health facilities on the site which would help meet the demand from local residents in the area.  It was recognised that a number of practical issues still needed to be resolved by the various partners, however, the Cabinet were pleased that the plans now met the original ambition for a mixed use hub serving the local community.  The recommendations, as detailed fully in the report, were agreed.

Resolved –

(a)  That it be noted that following further discussions since February 2015, Slough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) support the relocation of the existing Orchard Surgery located on Willow Parade, High Street, Langley to Trelawney Avenue and has received NHS England support, subject to compliance with SCCG policy.

(b)  That subject to compliance with Housing Revenue Account (“HRA”) guidance, that it be agreed in principle to the General Fund (“GF”) appropriating the area of land required from the HRA to develop the hub, with the remainder of the site retained by the HRA and used to build affordable housing for rent.

(c)  That the potential for the hub to be jointly owned and managed between Raw Investments Limited (“RIL”) and the Council be noted.  RIL would have ownership of the health-led area, with the remainder owned by the Council (GF) and used to provide local services, including the potential relocation of Langley Library.

(d)  That subject to the relocation of Thames Valley Police (“TVP”), the scope of the plan would increase to include the redevelopment of the police station into affordable housing for rent.

(e)  That following its discussions with New Langley Community Group (“NLCG”) an agreement had been reached on their relocation to alternative premises to enable the redevelopment of the site.

(f)  That it be noted that the February 2015 authority to proceed to develop housing on part of the site would be undertaken by Slough Urban Renewal via the Small Sites Strategy.

(g)  That a follow-up report including financial options and a business case would be presented to Cabinet in February 2016 or sooner if key decisions were required.

(h)  That Asset Management would continue to explore the feasibility of relocating the football teams currently based at the Merry Makers PH to Kedermister Park.